I recently had the opportunity to embark on a wonderful tour of Italy, and it was an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart. From the moment I set foot in this beautiful country, I was captivated by its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Our journey began in Rome, where ancient ruins like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum transported us back in time. The grandeur of the Vatican City left me in awe, especially when I gazed upon Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel ceiling. As we ventured north to Florence, I was enchanted by the art and culture of Tuscany. The Uffizi Gallery and Florence Cathedral were absolute highlights, and strolling along the Arno River at sunset was a truly romantic experience. Our tour continued to Venice, where the intricate canals and ornate architecture made me feel like I was in a fairytale. A gondola ride through the narrow waterways was a dream come true, and exploring the historic neighborhoods of San Marco and Dorsoduro was a delight.
Walking on this holiday is varied and well within most people's grasp. Aside from the rolling hills of Prosecco vineyards it includes forest walking and following along side a river. The hotel is most comfortable with large airy bedrooms and updated bathrooms which do not detract from the historic building. It sits within its own grounds including a large swimming pool and a bookable spa.
The village of Soligo is small with 3 cafe's and a small shop which stocks a wide range of biscuits, soft drinks and bottled water. There is one sure thing about this holiday and this is you will not go hungry. Lunches are freshly made by the local shop and will keep you going during the walks. The hotel food is second to none and the other resturants we eat at also supplied delicous food. The highlight of this trip is Prosecco in all its forms. I learnt a lot about how the wine was made and how to tell one bottle from another.
Collette's tour, "Italy's Treasures" was an excellent, memorable trip. The accommodations chosen were comfortable, unique in location and historical settings - A Villa in Tuscany, a castle in Sestri Levante with views of the Mediterranean. Meals were excellent. Our tour guide, Antonella, was exceptional, sharing the history of the areas as we travelled, ensuring all connections were seamless, always available to answer our questions and always going the extra mile to ensure our experience was unforgettable. Italy provided the perfect settings (and food and wine!) for this amazing experience.
Italians are the masters of creating simple dishes that burst with flavour. Inspired by nonnas’ kitchens all over the country, this food is regional, seasonal and fresh, and on this eight-day trip through everybody’s favourite culinary hub, you’ll discover that pizza and pasta are only the tip of the iceberg. Uncover the diverse array of unforgettable street eats, meals and cicchetti (small bites) from the postcard-perfect Venice to Rome, where medieval meets modern. Delight in local wine, fresh produce, homemade dinners and seasonal favourites in San Gimignano, Tuscany and Bologna – all with a local by your side – and take your tastebuds on an unforgettable adventure.
Wonderful trip! I strongly recommend several of the Optional Experiences to make the most of your time, including the sunset boat trip in Paris (you see the Eiffel Tower aglow!), walking tour of Hidden Venice, and walking tour of the Colosseum in Rome.
Be prepared to walk a lot (I hit 10-14k steps most days!) Be prepared for early mornings.
From Amsterdam to Rome and onto Paris, this grand tour takes in Cinque Terre, abundant Florence sightseeing and a delectable Lucerne Dine Around evening. Start your tour with a curated cruise through the canals led by local experts—the perfect introduction to the Netherlands. Onwards in style into Germany, the Rhine's UNESCO world heritage sites give way to the golden city of Prague—where your local guide will lead you through the hilltop castle courtyards and the grandiose St Vitus Cathedral or through the Jewish Quarter. A tour of Italy serves up the gondola-filled canals of Venice and the opulence of Rome, before Swiss delights beckon in Lucerne. Paris dazzles last with a chance to shop the city's boutiques like a local and enjoy views of iconic sights, including Notre-Dame and the Louvre.
Embark on a true Eastern European escapade on this 22-day adventure from Berlin to Rome. With plenty of free time in each spot and a local leader providing recommendations along the way, you’ll get immersed in the buzz of Berlin, the beauty of Prague and the bustle of Budapest. Tour the grand summer palace in Vienna, step into a fairytale in Salzburg’s Old Town and walk through the enchanting Vintgar Gorge in Bled. Finish with the canals and clifftop villages of Venice and Cinque Terre, and the piazzas of Rome – this is an adventure you truly won’t want to miss.
I had an amazing time. With the right GCO, everything runs smoothly and without problems. The people you meet along the way, the places you visit, the memories you make add up to one amazing adventure.